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I love the different, the exotic, the unusual especially when it comes to flowers and especially when they will grow in practically any kind of soil even poor, sandy or rocky soil and that includes the wheat celosia or spiked cockscomb with its Latin name C. spicata. The narrow, spiky flower heads derived its name because it reminded people of wheat.
Among the 60 different species of either annual or perennial Celosia there are two different groups, the Cockscomb which I discussed in another article and the spiked Celosia above with its deep wine, red or white flowers that grow to about 24 to 30 inches in height.
I have sown these from seed at our Bed and Breakfast in Tennessee and they grew well especially in my Zen garden that got lots of sun, but they did not do well at all in the shade areas.
Now I usually pick up cell packs of 4 to 6 at my local nursery for a modest price and the Plumed or Wheat Celosia looks better when planted in groups as opposed to rows. As I said they grow in basically any kind of soil including poor soil. However, they will outdo themselves in rich fertile soil. When I buy the packs at my local nursery I not only look for healthy plants, I check under the leaves for leaf rot or mites or stem rot which are all problems of any kind of Celosia.
These make wonderful container plants especially when combined with other sun loving plants. Just remember that container plants usually require more water, so when you mix your Plumed or Wheat Celosia with other sun loving plants, make sure those plants can take the extra watering.
You can even grow Plumed or Wheat Celosia indoors providing you give them a spot where they get about 8 hours of sun a day. The Plumed or Wheat Celosia will give you blooms for about 4 or 5 weeks and when you want a wonderful fall display mix your red Plumed or Wheat Celosia with pots of yellow mums and sit back and wait for the compliments and comments.
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Author Bio Box: Arlene Wright Correll
 For more gardening or cooking information click http://www.learn-america.com/
To see Arlene’s Gardens and to read her gardening diaries or click on Arlene’s Books where you can download or buy her gardening & cook books, including her new book, “The ABC’s of Wine and Beer Making”. Remember to check out her artwork, especially of her fruits and vegetables. Arlene says, “All my royalties from the sale of my books go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and I thank you for visiting my site.”
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